The
National Film and Video Censors Board said Monday that the North Korean
Mission in Nigeria had made a formal complaint to it over the illegal
distribution of a film which the mission regarded as provocative.
In a statement issued by the head of Corporate Affairs of the
National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mike Ekunno, said that
the North Korean Mission in Nigeria had made a formal complaint to it
over the illegal distribution of a film which the mission regarded as
provocative.
The statement said that the North Korean mission viewed the movie as not
only provocative but also targeted at instigating the assassination of
the North Korean Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un.
A 2014 American political satire film, "The Interview", directed by Seth
Rogen and Evan Goldberg had generated controversy across the world for
depicting the assassination of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.
According to the statement, the North Korean Ambassador in Nigeria, Jong
Choi, expressed displeasure with the movie during a courtesy call to
the NFVCB. He therefore pleaded with the NFVCB to initiate action to mop
the movie out of the Nigerian market, while also cutting the supply
source.
"A formal complaint had earlier been lodged at the Nigeria Police headquarters over the issue," it said.
The statement quoted the Director General of NFVCB, Patricia Bala, as
informing the envoy that the agency had carried out due diligence in
investigating the matter. Mrs. Bala said that the movie in question was
never submitted to be considered for distribution in Nigeria and that
its illegal sale was carried out within underground markets.
"The rules and regulations guiding distribution and exhibition of
movies in Nigeria frown at any content capable of causing a breach of
public order or subjecting any individual or nation to ridicule.
"The agency has already swung into action against the illegal
distribution of the said movie. The monitoring and enforcement
operatives of the board are under clear directives to track and bring
those involved to face the full weight of the law," the statement said.
She, however, said that North Korea had given an assurance to initiate
moves toward bringing in North Korean animation experts to strengthen
Nigeria’s capacity in the area.
Source: NAN
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